# Flow Meter Settings, Calibration, and Flow Alerts > h2Summaryh2 LINE 1 ABOVE IS THE SUMMARY pTHIS IS THE FIRST PARAGRAPH FOR SUMMARY PASTEINFOHEREp HERE IS A PARAGRAPH pTH Source: https://support.rachio.com/en_us/flow-meter-settings-calibration-and-flow-alerts-HyaxZc04x Last updated: 2026-04-25T17:11:29.390Z ## Summary Integrating a flow meter with your Rachio controller provides the hardware necessary for automated leak detection. After calibration, the system silently monitors your irrigation in the background, sending instant alerts if a zone's flow is irregular. If your flow meter isn't reporting data correctly or you're receiving unexpected alerts, this article will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to get it back on track. ## Contents 1. [Settings and Calibration](#section-1) 2. [Zero flow or no readings detected](#section-2) 3. [High flow alerts](#section-3) ## Settings and Calibration Calibrating your flow meter is a crucial initial step for setting it up. This enables it to detect leaks by establishing flow baselines. The Rachio app’s calibration tool measures the flow rates in each of your zones by running them for a few minutes, thus providing reliable baselines. Once these zone baselines are established, the system continuously monitors the flow rates during zone runs and alerts you to any discrepancies, such as unusually high or low flow rates. Without this calibration, the flow meter will not function properly and may fail to deliver the accurate readings essential for effective monitoring and leak detection. During the calibration process, the Rachio app guides you through testing each zone individually for 1-3 minutes to measure and establish an average flow rate baseline. This baseline is then stored and used for comparison with normal zone runs.  #### Note The calibration setup includes an option to set a '**pressurize time'**—usually between 10-20 seconds—allowing water pressure to stabilize in your pipes and nozzles. For zones with older hardware or longer pipe runs, a longer pressurize time might be necessary. It's important to monitor the flow rate display during this time to ensure the rate has stabilized once the pressurization time concludes. ### To calibrate a flow meter: 1. Go to the Settings tab and scroll down to Accessories ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/31c744c3265c2d280377def6d09579f3.jpg) 2. Select the sensor terminal and tap on "Calibrate Flow Monitoring" ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/259f0d2b8c3157bc3127ac75d15038cc.jpg) 3. Hit Next and set the Pressurize Time.  ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/ed0f3a075672125d39633a50e22c633b.jpg) 4. Select the zones you'd like to calibrate and begin the calibration ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/c001fe33e865f993efc6a766f0f87e24.png) ### Leak detection and Zone-level Flow Settings    Once you’ve calibrated, your baseline flow rate for each zone can be found with your other **leak detection settings** in the Zone tab. Select a zone, then tap “Edit” and select “Flow Settings” from the list. Here you can find the option to enable **Auto Shutoff**, as well as your **low-flow and high-flow trigger thresholds** for the zone. You can adjust these or re-calibrate them at any time.  Your flow meter thresholds will default to **5****0% of the baseline for low flow and 115% of the baseline for high flow**. This means if your flow rate dips to 50% or less of your baseline flow rate, or rises above 115% of your baseline flow rate, you’ll be notified of a flow anomaly and suggestions for follow-up.  ## ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/fe122a0ac779ae3044b4e2b1237f5b84.png) ### ### System-level Flow Settings You can adjust how your flow meter interacts system-wide with your watering. These settings apply to all zones. **Inactive Flow Check** will automatically check for leaks after each zone run. It'll wait for the specified **Settle time** and then measure the flow in the pipes. Flow in the pipe after the system has settled could indicate a leak or a stuck valve, and you’ll get a notification.  **Settle Time** sets the time it takes for your system to depressurize after a run ends; the flow meter will measure flow after this amount of time has passed to ensure an accurate reading.  ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/6da08189db9c4bd8d69def8c67a4041a.png) ## Zero flow or no readings detected ### **No flow rate reported on all zones** #### Checking the power supply This can be checked by looking at the front display of the flow meter or, if it is a non-display unit, using a voltmeter to measure the voltage across the plugged-in flow meter. If the flow meter is properly receiving power, there may be a wiring issue. You can remove the flow meter from its location, take it next to the controller, and insert the wires into the appropriate terminals. If the display lights up, then we know the flow meter is functional, and there must be an issue with the wiring. If you are unable to move the flow meter from the installation point, then simply connecting a 9V battery in series to the flow meter at the install site will work as well. If the display turns on when connected to a 9V battery, then we know the flow meter is functional, and there must be something wrong with the battery.  #### Checking the installation Most flow meters are unidirectional, meaning they can only measure water moving in one specific direction. Ensure the meter is installed with the arrows (found on the body or face) pointing **away** from your water source (backflow preventer) and **toward** your zone valves. ### **Zero flow rate in low-flow zones** Most flow meters are designed to measure flow rates above 0.5 GPM. Zones that produce flow rates less than 0.5 GPM drip include drip lines, emitters, and misters. Low-flow zones will report zero flow, but they are flowing at a rate of less than 0.5 GPM (unless there is a blockage in the valve or tubing). The usage from low-flow zones will not be counted in your total usage (this cannot be changed). #### Note If you’re concerned that there is a blockage in the valve or tubing causing the zero-flow reading, you can troubleshoot by running the zone for a few minutes to test whether water is being emitted. If there is no water, something could be wrong with your zone, such as a blockage in the line or valve, or a stuck valve. If water is emitting, the flow rate is below 0.5 GPM. ### **Zero flow in a single zone**  Low pressure can sometimes cause a false zero-flow read. Use the Quick Run feature in the app to run the zone for 5 minutes, and note how long it takes for the heads to begin to water at full pressure. Return to calibrate all zones within the app (go to Settings > scroll down to Accessories > Select the Sensor > Calibrate Flow Monitoring). When prompted, select “set pressurized time” to the number of minutes it took the zone to reach watering at full pressure. ## High flow alerts When your flow meter issues a high flow alert, it could indicate a leak or a faulty nozzle, especially if the measured flow rate is much higher than your baseline. In this case, you should check your lines and nozzles for leaks and call a professional to assist you if necessary.  For flow rates 20-50% above the baseline, the issue might be variable water pressure, common in areas with older municipal plumbing. In such cases, adjusting the [high-flow trigger](#flow-settings) threshold may help. If multiple zones trigger flow alerts and you're certain there are no leaks, recalibrating might be necessary. Calibration issues can arise if done concurrently with another household appliance or due to time-of-day water pressure fluctuations. For properties with variable pressure, recalibrating closer to the time your zones typically run can improve accuracy. ### Flow over 25 gpm during calibration A flow rate over 25 gpm is very unusual, so we will first want to rule out the following circumstances: * Missing pipe transition * If you have a ¾-inch pipe, make sure that you installed a six-inch long, 1-inch diameter pipe transition piece as instructed in the installation manual. If you did not, consult the manual to retrofit the installation.  * Pump in irrigation system * Pumps can cause vibrations that may interfere with flow measurement. If you have confirmed your  flow meter is installed correctly and you **do not** have a pump: 1. Return to the calibration feature in the app, tap “Zones” and then the specific zone, then “Edit”. Select “Flow settings” and then “Calibrate”.  2. Before calibration, increase the “pressurized time" to 5 minutes.  If the flow rate is still above 25 gpm, a break in the line may be causing a high-flow leak. We recommend investigating to see if there is a leak. Once the leak is repaired, calibrate the zone to continue receiving leak detection and water usage information. ### ## **Do you still need help?** We have a chat support team ready to assist you! You can submit a support request by selecting the chat icon in the bottom right of this page and a member of the support team will contact you live. ### **Summer Hours (April-September)** 7 am - 5 pm (MST), 7 days a week. ### **Winter Hours (October-March)** 8 am - 5 pm (MST), Monday - Saturday. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. [↑ Go to Top](# "Go to top")